Head of Transformation Communications and Design

4708670

Job type
Contract
Location
London
Working Pattern
Flexible Working,Full-time
Specialism
Communications
Industry
Government & Public Services
Pay
£550 - £650 per day (inside ir35)
Closing date
14 Aug 2025

Head of Transformation Communications and Design | Interim | Must have SC clearance

I am recruiting for an experienced and strategic Head of Transformation Communications and Design to lead a major transformation programme for the Department for Business and Trade on an interim contract for 6-12 months.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver strategic communications during a period of significant change.

SC clearance is required for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide strategic leadership for all Transformation communications across the Department, ensuring that communications activities align with Departmental priorities.
Advise and collaborate with the Executive Committee and Senior Leadership Team, ensuring effective, consistent, and impactful messaging that supports organisational objectives and enhances reputation.
Design and deliver integrated communications strategies that reach diverse internal and external audiences, drive cultural change, and support complex transformation initiatives.
Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary communications team, fostering a culture of high performance, continuous professional development, and innovation.
Champion best practice in stakeholder engagement, proactively managing relationships with senior stakeholders, cross-government partners, and external organisations (if required)
Oversee the planning and delivery of high-profile staff engagement initiatives, such as department-wide briefings, town halls, and digital communications campaigns, ensuring two-way dialogue and feedback mechanisms are embedded.
Set and assure communications standards, governance, and evaluation frameworks across the department, consistently measuring impact and driving continuous improvement.
Work closely with DBT’s internal comms team to ensure alignment of messaging, branding and content.
Drive the development and innovation of the department’s brand, digital channels, and engagement approaches, ensuring communications are inclusive, accessible, and audience focused.

Essential Skills and Experience

Must have valid SC clearance
A proven track record of leading on transformation communications, particularly during periods of change or restructuring
Experience working in a complex or matrixed organisation - with at least some professional experience of working in government
Strong stakeholder management skills and experience of working effectively with senior leaders, up to and including SCS3s
A thinker and a doer – with a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on delivery capabilities
Experience running staff meetings, creative campaigns, and managing internal comms channels - evidence of measuring the success and impact of campaigns.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong project management experience

Desirable Skills

Knowledge of change management methodologies
Experience working within a government transformation programme
Digital communications expertise and video editing skills

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

For more detailed information, or to view other vacancies with this organisation, please visit our dedicated recruitment website https://webmicrosites.hays.co.uk/web/dbt

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Talk to Sophie Scott, the specialist consultant managing this position

Located in London-Central, 4th Floor, 107 Cheapside, Telephone 0333 010 5316

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